Varenna, Italy

Varenna

A colourful fishing village on Lake Como, quieter than Bellagio.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 2 nights
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Things to do

2 days in Varenna

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the lakeside Passeggiata degli Innamorati and visit Villa Monastero's gardens.
  2. AfternoonTake the ferry to Bellagio or Villa Balbianello, or climb to Castello di Vezio.
  3. EveningHave an aperitivo on the waterfront as the sun sets over the lake.

Day 2

Hike the Sentiero del Viandante along the lake, or visit Como town.

What to eat

Missoltini, dried lake shad, and risotto with perch.

Local tips

Make the most of Varenna

Beat the crowds

Ferry day-trippers arrive from late morning. Walk the lakeside path early, or stay overnight and enjoy the village when the last ferries have left.

Best photo spot

The colourful houses from the lake path near the ferry landing, and the view from the ruins of Castello di Vezio above the village.

Getting there

Trains from Milan stop at Varenna-Esino, a short walk from the centre. Ferries connect Varenna with Bellagio and Menaggio.

Don't miss nearby

Bellagio across the lake, and the quiet village of Fiumelatte with Italy's shortest river.

Good to know

A day ferry ticket for the central lake is good value if you want to hop between villages. Parking in Varenna is very limited in summer.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Varenna

Our most hidden places around Varenna: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Varenna to take with you.

44 km away
60 km away
70 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Varenna

Getting there

  • Lugano Airport (LUG)30 km away
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)50 km away
  • Bergamo45 km away
  • Milan60 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypePopular town
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryItaly

Questions

Varenna: good to know

Is Varenna worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. A colourful fishing village on Lake Como, quieter than Bellagio.

How many days do you need in Varenna?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Varenna?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Ferry day-trippers arrive from late morning. Walk the lakeside path early, or stay overnight and enjoy the village when the last ferries have left.

How do you get to Varenna?

The nearest airport is Lugano Airport (LUG), about 30 km away. Trains from Milan stop at Varenna-Esino, a short walk from the centre. Ferries connect Varenna with Bellagio and Menaggio.

What is there to see near Varenna?

Nearby hidden places include Bergamo (45 km), Milan (61 km) and Bernina Pass (Pontresina) (72 km).

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